From Durban to Glasgow: 24 Years of Building a Life in Scotland-Ep 95 with Marc Christensen
The Relocated South African | Emigration storiesPlay episode
Show notes
Marc Christensen left Durban for the UK in 2001 with a simple plan: spend a couple of years overseas and then return home.
Twenty-four years later, he is still in Scotland.
After an initial spell in London, Marc discovered Glasgow and immediately felt that it reminded him of Durban. He packed a few bags, jumped on a bus and started again.
In this episode, Marc talks openly about:
Growing up in Durban and leaving South Africa at 21His first experiences living overseasWhy London never felt like homeDiscovering Glasgow and making the move northBuilding a career from working in pubs to sales and ITThe guilt that came with being away when his mother diedCo-parenting his son after divorceRunning South African community groups in ScotlandHelping South Africans find work, accommodation and supportWhy he believes immigrants shouldn't automatically "start from the bottom"The cost-of-living difference between London and ScotlandWhy he believes South Africans should look beyond LondonBuilding a remote recruitment business connecting South African talent with international companiesScotland's weather, safety and what has changed over the yearsWhat he would tell a young South African considering leaving homeMarc's story is also about giving back. After building a life abroad, he is now using his experience and network to help other South Africans create opportunities for themselves.
"You've got one life and you've got to live it for you, not for other people."
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Sable International
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy
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TIMESTAMPS
00:01 – Welcome to Marc in Glasgow
02:18 – Growing up in Durban
03:58 – Leaving South Africa in 2001
04:58 – Getting British citizenship
05:25 – First experiences living overseas
06:51 – Arriving in London
08:30 – Discovering Glasgow
09:18 – Moving to Scotland with a few bags
10:51 – Finding work and building a life
12:06 – Moving from pub work into sales and IT
14:42 – Did he ever consider going back?
16:09 – Family, loss and the guilt of being away
18:19 – The emotional impact of emigration
20:05 – Building South African community groups in Scotland
22:30 – Why he doesn't want to commercialise the community
23:58 – The biggest mistakes South Africans make when relocating
24:10 – Why starting from the bottom can be a mistake
26:43 – The impact of relocation on relationships
28:34 – London versus Scotland: cost of living
30:12 – The cappuccino test
30:53 – His experience running a South African restaurant
32:38 – Starting a new business after leaving employment
35:00 – Building a remote recruitment business
36:35 – Connecting South African talent with international companies
39:12 – Giving back to South Africa
39:51 – Life and weather in Scotland
41:16 – Has Scotland become less safe?
44:03 – Haggis, black pudding and Scottish food
45:41 – Marc's advice to young South Africans
Connect with Marc
Simpatico Solutions
Email: marc@simpaticosolutions.co.uk
South Africans in Glasgow – Facebook
Official South Africans in Scotland – Facebook
Connect with The Relocated South African
Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Marc's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African considering life abroad.
